SGAUS announces the application process for the second class of the Senior Officer Leader Course (SOLC).

The SOLC is an online, interactive course that mirrors the active duty military’s senior leadership training experience. The SOLC course focuses on SDF missions and the corresponding leadership needed in SDFs. Specifically, SOLC focuses on Defense Support of Civil Authority (DSCA) and Homeland Defense missions at the strategic level, the highest military education level available (MEL-1).

The online phase is the first module of a three-module course. Content in the course includes classic leadership studies available in professional military education courses, as well as in professional and traditional academic settings.

The course then proceeds to networking with fellow SOLC students throughout the year, mentoring by a senior (flag rank) SDF service member, a year-long project that focuses on an SDF mission led by the SOLC student, and a presentation at the SGAUS National Conference of the project. 

SOLC students enjoy networking opportunities, develop leadership skills consistent with their SDF duties, and are consequently better prepared to serve in a command role in their SDF.

The first cohort of students, which completes the course this November at the SGAUS Annual Conference, was led by SDF and SGAUS leaders serving as faculty and Mentors: 

MG (MS-Ret) Doug Hayhurst (Commandant)

BG (CA) Andre Coulombe (Lead Instructor)

BG (CA) Larry Adams

BG (TX-Ret) Robert Hastings

COURSE OUTLINE

The SOLC begins in the fall at the annual SGAUS Conference, runs one year, and concludes at the following SGAUS annual conference. The course is divided into three phases, each of which is subdivided into sections focusing on various aspects of leadership, practical problem solving, academic content, and a practicum.

Phase I: three online modules that include:

Module 1: Military Strategy Introduction

Module 2: Senior Leadership Introduction

Module 3: Military Support for Civil Authorities

Phase II: Students are placed in groups to complete a group project, and network discussing their specific SDF missions.

Phase III: Consists of a one-day group presentation to the SOLC Education

Advisory Board (EAB) during the annual convention, or an alternate online

zoom meeting to be scheduled.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Prerequisites: Minimum rank of Lieutenant Colonel with 12 years total combined military service;
  • Completion of Command and Staff Course (active duty), or Command
  • and Staff I and II in SGAUS PME;
  • Hold Senior MEMS certification;
  • Served in Brigade/Regiment or higher-level position for at least 6 months;
  • Endorsement from current SDF Commander;
  • Active SDF member;
  • SGAUS membership.

Applicants who meet the prerequisites will submit to the Education Advisory Board (EAB) the following:

  • One-page essay describing goals for completing the course;
  • Curriculum Vita (CV) / Military Resume listing experience and
  • assignments;
  • Recommendation letter from the current SDF Commander.

Applications and questions regarding the process can be submitted to the

SOLC Education Advisory Board at: SOLCEAB@SGAUS.org

Application deadline is 01 November 2025. Incoming SOLC students will be introduced at the 2025 Annual Conference by videoconference (or live if attending the conference), and are expected to attend the SGAUS Annual Conference in November 2026.

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